St Swithun's Church of England Primary Academy
Valuing individuals, aspiring and achieving together in faith
At St Swithun’s, a child's reading journey initially follows books that are banded by colour. There are general guidelines about which book bands should be covered in each year group. In year 2 for example, children working at age related expectations should be reading books in gold, white or lime bands.
Please remember however that children learn in different ways and make progress at different times. It is possible that there may be seven year olds on book band red and five year olds on book band turquoise. The table at the bottom of the page gives the approximate book bands for each stage in school.
Please note:
WARNING!
A child will not benefit from being rushed through books. It is not a race, it is a journey! Children learn to read at different rates just as they learn to do other things at different rates. If children are rushed through the books they will not achieve the enjoyment and understanding necessary. Books that they find too difficult will soon put them off reading!
REMEMBER!
Enjoy reading with your child and help them become lifelong readers.
Reading Overview - Phonics Phases - Book Bands – Year Group Expectations
Phonics Phase |
Book Band |
Year Group Expectations |
Phase 1 |
Lilac |
EYFS |
Phase 2 |
Pink |
EYFS |
Phase 3 |
Red |
EYFS |
Phase 3 |
Yellow |
EYFS
|
Phase 3/4 |
Blue |
EYFS/Year 1
|
Phase 4 |
Green |
Year 1 |
Phase 4/5 |
Orange |
Year 1 |
Phase 5 |
Turquoise |
Year 1 |
Phase 5 |
Purple |
Year 1 |
Phase 5/6 |
Gold |
Year 2 |
Phase 6 |
White |
Year 2 |
Phase 6 |
Lime |
Year 2 |
|
Brown |
Year 3 |
|
Grey |
Year 4 |
|
Dark blue |
Year 5 |
|
Burgundy/Black |
Year 6 |